Another common setting, especially for wedding bands, is the Channel setting that actually holds the gem [or gems] inside the ring. Unlike the prong-set, this style is very secure, though far less delicate in appearance. They are called ‘channel' because the gems are embedded deep within the ring's parameters and don't peep above it, even at the girdle line. There are no prongs or tongs holding anything. This dramatically reduces the risk of the gem falling out. No metal separates the individual gems and they sit flush against each other- in some rings the line of gems continues all the way around the rings circumference. Pave settings are designed in for this specific idea in mind- surrounding the ring all the way round with gems. This is usually a very expensive type of setting, as it requires a lot of gems. Many small stones are clustered together on the surface of the metal to give the impression that the piece is entirely paved with stones- thus the name of the style. No metal can be seen with this style, and this obviously reduces the need to make sure gem color and metal color are compatible. There are several different ways in which you can create a pave setting; with the stones sitting perpendicular to the metal in one long smooth row, with the rings sitting at slightly different angles to give a more ‘chunky' appearance or with a dome-shaped style that gives the rings a very round appearance and makes it look ‘plump'.